JP2004320222A - Communication function attached camera and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication function attached camera and a communication system whereby a user can concentrate attention on photographing without the need for caring about deficient storage capacity of a storage means of the camera and image data communication. <P>SOLUTION: The communication function attached camera is provided with: an imaging element 5 for imaging an object; a storage section 8 for storing an output of the imaging element 5 as image data; a communication section 12 for transmitting the image data stored in the storage section 8 to an external storage section 108a via a base station 102 or an indoor stationary terminal 101 or receiving a signal transmitted from the base station 102 or the indoor stationary terminal 101; and a CPU 1 for discriminating a communication state with the base station 102 or the indoor stationary terminal 101, and the communication section 12 transmits the image data stored in the storage section 8 to the external storage section 108a on the basis of a result of the discrimination by the CPU 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a camera with a communication function and a communication system, and more particularly, to a camera with a communication function and a communication system having a function of storing a large amount of captured image data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital cameras that have become widespread store an image captured by a digital imaging unit as a digital image in a storage unit such as a semiconductor memory. In such a digital camera, the number of pixels of the imaging means has been increased and a high-resolution image can be captured. However, such a high-resolution image generally has a large data amount. Here, the storage means of the digital camera includes a camera built-in type and a storage means detachable from the camera. However, if a large-capacity storage means is built in the camera, the portability of the camera may be impaired. On the other hand, if the storage capacity of the storage means built into the camera is limited and the rest is supplemented by a removable storage means, the portability of the camera is not impaired, but frequent replacement of the storage means is necessary. Become.
[0003]
Therefore, proposals for storing image data in an external storage unit provided in an external server via a communication unit have been made in Patent Documents 1 and 2 and the like. For example, Patent Literature 1 solves the shortage of storage capacity of a storage unit by issuing a warning to a user and urging the user to transfer an image to a server when image data in a storage unit of a camera exceeds a predetermined capacity. It is a proposal.
[0004]
Patent Document 2 proposes a digital camera that creates image data with a compression ratio suitable for a communication environment of a communication line from a captured image and transmits the image data to an external device.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-128113 A
[0006]
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-33947
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the proposal of Patent Document 1, it is necessary for the user to perform a data transfer operation to the server according to the warning of the camera, and at the time of the warning, it is necessary to be concerned about data transmission. In particular, when such a warning is issued in a place where communication conditions are bad, the user may be concerned about the warning and may not be able to concentrate on photographing.
[0008]
Further, the proposal in Patent Document 2 only creates image data with an optimal compression ratio according to the communication line, and the data must still be transferred by the user.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to provide a camera with a communication function and a communication system that enable a user to concentrate on photographing without being aware of a shortage of storage capacity of a storage unit of the camera or image data communication.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a camera with a communication function according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject; a storage unit that stores an output of the imaging unit as image data; A communication unit that transmits the stored image data to an external storage unit via a base station or an indoor stationary terminal and receives a signal transmitted from the base station or the indoor stationary terminal, and the base station or Determining means for determining a communication state with the indoor stationary terminal, wherein the communication means transmits image data stored in the storage means to the external storage means based on a determination result of the determination means I do.
According to the first aspect, the image data stored in the storage unit is automatically transmitted to the external storage unit based on the communication state determined by the determination unit. You can concentrate on shooting without having to worry about lack of capacity or image data communication.
[0011]
Further, in the camera with a communication function according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the communication means may be configured such that a favorable communication state with the base station is maintained for a predetermined time by the determination means. If determined, the image data stored in the storage means is transmitted to the base station.
According to the second aspect, the communication is performed when the good communication state continues for the predetermined time, so that the image data can be reliably transmitted.
[0012]
Further, the camera with a communication function according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, further comprises a dividing means for dividing the image data recorded in the storage means, wherein the communication means comprises the determination means When it is determined that the good communication state with the base station has continued for a predetermined time, the image data is divided and transmitted by the dividing means.
According to the third aspect, the image data is divided and transmitted when the good communication state continues for the predetermined time, so that the communication time in one communication can be reduced.
[0013]
Further, in the camera with a communication function according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, when the communication means determines that communication with the indoor stationary terminal is possible by the determination means, The image data stored in the storage means is transmitted to the external storage means via the indoor stationary terminal.
According to the fourth aspect, when communication with the indoor stationary terminal is possible, image data can be reliably transmitted by communicating with the indoor stationary terminal.
[0014]
Further, in the camera with a communication function according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the communication unit may be configured to perform continuous communication when the determination unit determines that communication with the indoor stationary terminal is possible. The image data is transmitted by the communication.
According to the fifth aspect, at the time of communication with the indoor stationary terminal, data is continuously transmitted without being divided, so that the overall communication time is reduced and the possibility of data corruption is also reduced.
[0015]
The camera with a communication function according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the camera with the communication function according to the third aspect, wherein the communication unit divides the image data by the division unit at a timing of receiving data from the base station. And send.
Further, in the camera with a communication function according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the dividing unit may divide the image data so that the image data can be transmitted within a timing of receiving data from the base station. I do.
According to the sixth and seventh aspects, by performing communication at the timing of receiving data from the base station, the possibility of data corruption during communication is reduced.
[0016]
Further, in the camera with a communication function according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first to seventh aspects, the base station or the indoor stationary terminal is connected to an Internet server, and the external storage means It is included in the Internet server.
[0017]
According to the eighth aspect, data processing can be performed by accessing various servers through the Internet connection.
[0018]
Further, a communication system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit that images a subject, a first storage unit that stores an output of the imaging unit as image data, and a storage unit that is stored in the first storage unit. Dividing means for dividing image data which is present, a first communication means for transmitting the image data divided by the dividing means to an Internet server and receiving a signal transmitted from the Internet server, and a base station or an indoor stationary type. Determining means for determining a communication state with a terminal, wherein the first communication means transmits image data stored in the first storage means based on a determination result of the determination means; Camera with communication, second communication means capable of communicating with the first communication means, and second camera for storing image data transmitted via the second communication means with the camera with communication function. And a Internet server and means.
[0019]
According to the ninth aspect, the image data stored in the first storage unit of the camera is automatically transmitted to the second storage unit on the Internet server side based on the communication state determined by the determination unit. Therefore, the user can concentrate on photographing without being aware of a shortage of storage capacity of the storage means of the camera or image data communication.
[0020]
The communication system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the communication system according to the ninth aspect, wherein, when all of the image data divided by the division unit is received, at least a notification of reception completion is provided. The image data for confirmation is transmitted to the camera with communication.
According to the tenth aspect, after the completion of the reception, the completion notification and the image data for confirmation are transmitted from the Internet server, so that the user can easily understand.
[0021]
The communication system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the communication system according to the ninth aspect, wherein the second communication means indicates a warning when not receiving all the image data divided by the division means. Is transmitted to the camera with communication.
According to the eleventh aspect, when the received image data is not complete, a warning is issued to the user from the Internet server side, so that the user can easily understand.
[0022]
Also, in the communication system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the second communication unit may be configured to perform communication with the camera with the communication function when all of the image data divided by the division unit is received. A signal is transmitted from the first storage means to delete the transmitted image data.
According to the twelfth aspect, after the transfer of the image data is completed, a signal for automatically deleting the first storage data in the camera with the communication function is transmitted from the Internet server to the camera with the communication function. There is no need for the user to manually delete unnecessary data.
[0023]
Further, in the communication system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the second communication means is insufficient when not receiving all the image data divided by the division means. A signal to request image data is transmitted to the camera with communication.
According to the thirteenth aspect, when the transmitted image data is not complete, the requested data is requested, so that the image data can be reliably transferred.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, the concept of the present invention will be described first.
FIG. 2A illustrates a scene in which a user 21 is photographing a subject 20 at a travel destination or the like as an example of using a camera with a communication function (hereinafter, referred to as a camera) according to the present invention. In this figure, the user 21 determines the composition while looking at the display unit 9 of the camera 100, and waits for a photo opportunity. The camera 100 shown in FIG. 2A is assumed to be a camera having a call function, and has a microphone 13 below the camera and a speaker 15 above the camera. Note that the camera 100 does not need to have a call function.
[0025]
That is, the voice of the user 21 is converted into an electric signal through the microphone 13 at the time of a telephone call as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when receiving a radio wave, the radio wave received via the antenna 12 is converted into a voice signal, and can be heard as voice via the speaker 15.
[0026]
The photographing lens 2 of the camera 100 is arranged on the back side of the display unit 9 as shown in FIG.
[0027]
It is important for the camera 100 having such a call function and a camera function to be integrated into a small size and light weight. For this reason, the camera 100 does not use a large-sized battery and does not use a large-sized and large-capacity storage unit for storing captured image data. Instead, in the present invention, the data of the captured image is not always stored in a storage unit (not shown) in the camera, but is transferred to a storage unit external to the camera using communication, and is stored in the external storage unit. The image data is stored.
[0028]
What is important when transferring the image data to the external storage unit in this way is whether or not the image data is correctly transferred. In particular, when wireless communication as shown in FIG. 2A is assumed, the user 21 can move, and the image transfer is not always performed in a good communication state. If it takes a long time to transfer the image data, the call may be hindered and the telephone may not be connected in an important situation. Generally, when transferring a moving image, a bit rate of 64 kilobits / second or more is required, but the current mobile communication has a bit rate of less than half of that. In recent years, megapixels have also been adopted in still image shooting. For example, in a camera having 1 million pixels, when an image having 8-bit gradation data is transmitted at a bit rate of mobile communication, even if the data is transmitted at a bit rate of mobile communication, for example, Even if it is compressed, it takes time in minutes. If no other communication can be performed during this time, the camera 100 cannot serve as a telephone. During this time, it is also difficult to always maintain good communication. If the communication is poor during the call, the conversation is only interrupted, but if the communication is poor during the transfer of the image data, the data may be damaged.
[0029]
Therefore, according to the present invention, at the time of transferring image data, the data is divided to shorten the communication time required for one communication, and the timing at which the image data can be transferred is automatically determined. By automatically transmitting the image data obtained, a camera is realized in which the user is not conscious of the transmission of the image data.
[0030]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a camera with a communication function according to an embodiment of the present invention and a communication system including the camera with the communication function. That is, this communication system includes a camera with a communication function (camera) 100, an indoor stationary terminal 101 and a base station 102 that are direct communication destinations of the camera 100, a connection device 103, an exchange 104, and a control device 105. , A server computer (hereinafter, referred to as a provider) 106 inside the provider, a network (Internet) 107, and an image data management server (Internet server, hereinafter, referred to as a server) 108.
[0031]
First, the configuration and operation of the camera 100 will be described. That is, the camera 100 includes a control unit (CPU) 1, a photographing lens 2, a lens driving unit 3, a distance measuring unit 4, an image sensor 5, an analog / digital (A / D) conversion unit 6, A digital signal processing unit 7, a storage unit (first storage unit) 8, a display unit 9, a data division unit 10, a modulation / demodulation unit 11, a communication unit 12, a voice input unit (microphone) 13, , A digital / analog (D / A) conversion unit 14, an audio output unit (speaker) 15, and an operation unit 16.
[0032]
The CPU 1 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer or the like, and controls each operation of the camera 100. An operation unit 16 is connected to the CPU 1, and the CPU 1 determines the ON / OFF state of each switch of the operation unit 16 according to a user operation, and performs control corresponding to the operation of the determined switch. The CPU 1 also has a function of communicating with the indoor stationary terminal 101 and the base station 102 via the communication unit 12 to determine a communication state. This function corresponds to the determination means described in the claims.
[0033]
The taking lens 2 is composed of at least one lens. The CPU 1 controls the driving of the lens driving unit 3 to control the focusing of the photographing lens 2. The lens driving unit 3 includes a lens driving mechanism (not shown), a lens position detecting circuit, and the like. At the time of such focusing control of the taking lens 2, the distance to the subject 20 is detected by the distance measuring unit 4, and the CPU 1 drives and controls the lens driving unit 3 based on the detected subject distance. As a result, an image of the subject 20 in focus is formed on the image sensor 5.
[0034]
The image pickup device 5 includes an image pickup device such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor and an image pickup circuit (not shown) that drives the image pickup device. The image pickup device 5 converts an image of the formed subject 20 into an electric signal (image signal). I do. After that, the image signal is subjected to analog processing such as noise removal in the image pickup circuit, and then output to the A / D converter 6 in the next stage. The A / D converter 6 converts the image signal input from the image sensor 5 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the digital signal processor 7. The digital signal processing unit 7 is controlled by the CPU 1 to perform image processing such as gamma conversion processing, color balance adjustment, and edge enhancement processing on the input digital image signal to adjust the image output, and perform predetermined encoding. After performing digital processing such as digital compression processing using a format, the data is recorded in the storage unit 8 including a semiconductor memory with a built-in camera, a detachable semiconductor memory, and the like.
[0035]
Further, the CPU 1 displays the image signal processed by the digital signal processing unit 7 on a display unit 9 configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD).
[0036]
In the present embodiment, the storage unit 8 is small and has a small capacity because of the portability required for a camera. Therefore, the camera 100 transfers the image data stored in the storage unit 8 to an external storage unit 108a separately provided outside the camera, and stores the image data in the external storage unit 108a. At this time, if all the image data is transferred by one communication, the above-described problem occurs. In the present embodiment, first, the image data stored in the storage unit 8 is first transmitted to the data division unit 10. The packet is divided into packets by the modulation / demodulation unit 11 and transmitted as radio waves via the communication unit 12. Conversely, when a radio wave is received via the communication unit 12, the modulation / demodulation unit 11 extracts the packet, and then the digital signal processing unit 7 restores the image data.
[0037]
Here, the packet is, as shown in FIG. 3, data in which original data is divided into a plurality of data portions 201 and 202, and header portions 201a and 202a indicating transmission destination information and transmission source information are added. It is. The length of the packet may be variable or fixed. In other words, when transmitting large amounts of data such as image data in a single communication, it takes a very long time to transmit the data. Therefore, the amount of data to be transmitted in a single communication is reduced and transmitted. Save time.
[0038]
In such packet communication, the packets are transmitted to the same place according to the destination information written in the header part. On the receiving side, the data of the transmitted packets are combined, and the original image data is restored. In other words, at the end of data transfer, if a packet n in which information indicating how the original divided data is divided and how many pieces are divided is written in a header portion is transmitted, the number of packets can be divided in any order. If they are arranged, it can be determined whether the original data is restored. Further, a field indicating the order and a field indicating whether or not the packet is the last packet may be added to the header part of the packet.
[0039]
Further, in the present embodiment, the camera 100 automatically determines an appropriate timing for transmitting a packet. That is, the CPU 1 determines the timing when the communication state is good and when data, especially voice data, is received from the base station 102. At such a timing, there is a high possibility that the user is listening to the voice, so there is a high possibility that the line on the transmitting side is free. By transmitting an appropriate amount of packets at such an appropriate timing, the storage capacity of the storage unit 8 inside the camera 100 can be made extra and always ready for the next shooting.
[0040]
When the camera 100 is used as a telephone, the sound input by the user is converted into an electric signal by the sound input unit (microphone) 13 and then converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 6. The audio signal thus converted into a digital signal is compressed in a predetermined encoding format in the digital signal processing unit 7, and then divided into packets in the data division unit 10 as described above. This packet is modulated by the modulation / demodulation unit 11 and then transmitted from the communication unit 12 as a radio wave. Conversely, when radio waves are received via the communication unit 12, the packets are extracted by the modulation / demodulation unit 11, and then the digital signal processing unit 7 restores the audio data. After that, the audio data is converted into an analog audio signal in the D / A converter 14 and reproduced as audio through the audio output unit (speaker) 15.
[0041]
Next, the operation of the system after the image data is transmitted from the communication unit 12 will be described.
[0042]
The data transmitted from the communication unit 12 in FIG. 1 is received by an indoor stationary telephone (indoor stationary terminal) 101 or a base station 102 which is generally called a master unit. The indoor stationary terminal 101 is connected to an exchange 104 via a dedicated line, and the exchange 104 is controlled by a control device 105 to switch lines. Note that the indoor stationary terminal 101 may be an information processing terminal such as a personal computer instead of the parent device.
[0043]
On the other hand, the base station 102 is connected to the connection device 103 via a line such as ISDN, for example, and further connected to the exchange 104 via the connection device 103.
[0044]
The control device 105 controls the exchange 104. The control device 105 periodically communicates with the camera 100 via the base station 102 in order to grasp the position of the user, and registers and updates the position information of the camera 100. By controlling switchboard 104 based on the registered position information, control device 105 can grasp the position of camera 100 even if the user moves, and can control line switching correctly.
[0045]
Further, the exchange 104 can be connected to the Internet 107 via a provider 106. From the Internet 107, a server 108 can be accessed.
[0046]
The main computer of the server 108 extracts and combines the data portions from all the transmitted packets, restores the original image data, and combines the restored image data with the hard disk according to the source information written in the header portion of the packet. And so on in the external storage unit 108a (second storage unit). It is preferable that the image data be stored in an individual folder for each user. Since it is more preferable that the image data stored in this manner is not viewed by anyone other than the image sender or the user authorized by the sender, the viewing authority of this folder may be protected by a password or the like. Good.
[0047]
Further, data to be transferred from the camera 100 via the exchange 104 may be stored in an external storage unit managed by a provider or server desired by the user in advance according to destination information written in the header.
[0048]
Further, another service can be received from the server 108. For example, the album creating unit 108b can request to create an electronic album based on the transmitted image data. In the photo printing unit 108c, the transmitted image is printed out as a photo, and the user 21 can request that the photo be delivered. In addition, the mail attachment distribution unit 108d can transmit an electronic mail with an image file attached to a personal computer or the like owned by the sender, for example.
[0049]
Next, control performed in the communication system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing a control procedure of the CPU 1 in the camera with a communication function. It is assumed that the camera has a photographing mode for photographing an image and a telephone mode for talking. First, control in the shooting mode will be described with reference to FIG.
[0050]
In this shooting mode, the CPU 1 measures the subject distance using the distance measuring unit 4 (step S1). Next, the CPU 1 controls the lens driving unit 3 based on the measurement result of the subject distance to focus the photographing lens 2 (step S2). Thereafter, exposure control is performed (step S3), and the captured image data is stored in the storage unit 8 (step S4), and then the control of the photographing mode ends.
[0051]
Next, control in the telephone mode will be described with reference to FIG. In the telephone mode, the CPU 1 determines whether a call is currently being made or a call start operation has been performed (step S11). This determination is made periodically during the subsequent processing.
[0052]
When it is determined in step S11 that no call is currently being made, the CPU 1 communicates with the indoor stationary terminal 101 or the base station 102 to detect the current communication state (step S12). This is an operation of transmitting a signal from the camera 100 to the indoor stationary terminal 101 or the base station 102 and receiving a response signal. Thus, even when the camera 100 receives data from the outside, the line is connected via the base station closest to the camera 100, and the data can be received.
[0053]
On the other hand, when the indoor stationary terminal 101 receives a signal from the camera 100, it transmits a signal notifying that the signal has been received to the camera 100. The camera 100 determines from the content of the received signal whether or not the indoor stationary terminal 101 is nearby (step S13). If it is determined in step S13 that the indoor stationary terminal 101 is nearby, the CPU 1 splits the image data stored in the storage unit 8 into packets without dividing the image data into packets. 101 (step S14), and after the transmission is completed, the process proceeds to step S25. That is, the indoor stationary terminal 101 generally has a short communicable distance. Therefore, when the indoor stationary terminal 101 can communicate with the indoor stationary terminal 101, the user 21 is located near the indoor stationary terminal 101 as shown in FIG. It is considered that communication will not be interrupted on the way. In such a situation where stable communication can be performed, image data is transmitted by continuous communication without being divided into packets. The image data transmitted to the indoor terminal 101 in this manner is stored in the external storage unit 108a in the server 108 via the Internet 107. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the indoor stationary terminal 101 is not nearby, basically, continuous data transmission is not performed.
[0054]
When it is determined in step S11 that a call is in progress or a call is started, the CPU 1 detects a communication state (step S15), and determines whether the current communication state is good (step S16). If it is determined in step S16 that the communication state is good, the CPU 1 causes the display unit 9 to display a character display or the like indicating that the communication state is good (step S17). The operation is in a standby state for inputting a number, a mail address, a mail text, and the like (step S18). In this operation standby state, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the line is being connected (step S19). If it is determined in step S19 that the line is not connected, the CPU 1 determines whether the communication state is good for a predetermined time (step S20). For example, at the time of inputting an e-mail message, communication is not performed for a predetermined time, and the camera simply functions as an input device. During this time, if the communication state is good for a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S22. That is, in this case, it is determined that the moving speed of the user is low and the possibility of communication interruption is small, and the image data is transmitted. However, if data is transmitted for a long time during a call, the connection to the line may be affected, or the user may suddenly move to a place where radio waves cannot reach. Send.
[0055]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S19 that the line is being connected, it is unlikely that the user will dare to move to a place where the communication state is poor. Therefore, in this case, image data is transmitted by packet communication. . That is, when it is determined in step S19 that the line is being connected, it is determined whether data is currently being received (step S21). Here, "during reception of data" means the timing at which the other party of the telephone is talking. If it is determined in step S21 that data is not being received, the process returns to step S18.
[0056]
That is, when it is determined in step S20 that the communication state is good for a predetermined time or when it is determined in step S21 that data is being received, the CPU 1 divides the image data into packets and divides the image data into packets. The data is transmitted to the server 102 (step S22). Next, the CPU 1 determines whether the transmission of the image data has been completed (step S23). If it is determined that the transmission of the image data has been completed, the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if it is determined that the transmission of the image data has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S18.
[0057]
Here, a timing chart at the time of transmitting the captured image data in step S21 is shown in FIG. That is, at the timing of sampling the voice of the person and transmitting it to the communication partner, it is difficult to transmit the image data because the transmission line is crowded, but when the voice data from the partner is received, Since the user is likely to be listening to the voice, the data on the transmitting side is likely to be reduced. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a packet of image data is transmitted when audio data is being received from the other party. At this time, a packet (approximately 3 kilobits) that has been finely divided so that transmission can be performed in about 1/10 second is transmitted so that data transmission is completed before the other party ends talking. Further, the fineness of division may be determined from the length of the received packet data.
[0058]
In this way, when the line is securely connected and the image data can be transmitted, the image data can be stored in the external storage unit without data corruption by packetizing and transmitting the image data. In such image data transmission, image data may be transmitted without being compressed using an irreversible compression format such as the JPEG format. In the JPEG format, data is thinned out at the time of compression. Therefore, the higher the compression ratio, the shorter the communication time at the time of image data transfer, but the lower the image quality at the time of data decompression. However, in the present embodiment, since the image data is divided and transmitted at a timing such as during reception of audio data so that the user is not aware of the data transfer, the communication time until all the data is transferred is completed. It doesn't matter much if it gets longer. Therefore, image data transfer may be performed without compressing the image data to take measures against image quality deterioration.
[0059]
If it is determined in step S16 that the communication state is poor, the CPU 1 warns the user (step S24) and ends the control of this flowchart.
[0060]
After the transmission of the image data is completed, the CPU 1 determines whether or not a notification of the completion of the image data storage has been received from the server 108 (step S25). If it is determined in step S25 that the notification of the completion of the storage of the image data has not been received, for example, if it is determined that there is a request for the missing packet from the server 108, the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that the notification of the completion of the storage of the image data has been received from the server 108, the CPU 1 displays the fact on the LCD 9 (step S26). Note that this display need not be performed during a call or the like. Next, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the user has performed an erasing operation of the image data (step S27). When it is determined that the erasing operation has been performed, the CPU 1 deletes the image data whose transmission has been completed. (Step S28). Thereafter, the control of this flowchart ends.
[0061]
Next, control of the main computer of the image data management server 108 on the image data receiving side will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. Here, FIG. 7A shows a type in which the user deletes the image data in the camera, and FIG. 7B shows a type in which the data in the camera is automatically deleted after the transfer of the image data. It is. These may be used by the user in accordance with the importance of the image.
[0062]
In FIG. 7A, first, the server 108 determines whether or not image data or a packet has been received (step S31). If it is determined that the image data has been received, the server 108 determines whether or not the data is complete. Is determined (step S32). This determination can be made by recording the total number of packets and the field of the packet order in the packet data shown in FIG. 4 as described above.
[0063]
If it is determined that the image data is complete, the server 108 stores the received image data in the external storage unit 108a (step S33), and then returns the image data for confirmation and a notification message of the completion of storage. Then, the user is notified that the image transfer has been completed (step S34). On the other hand, when determining that the image data is not complete, the server 108 requests the camera 100 for a missing packet (step S35). Note that a warning may be given to the user instead of requesting the missing packet.
[0064]
The result transmitted from the server 108 is received by the camera 100 and displayed on the LCD 9. This notification may be a voice notification.
[0065]
On the other hand, in FIG. 7 (b), steps S41 and S42 are the same as steps S31 and S32 in FIG. 7 (a), and are steps for determining whether or not all the data has been collected. As a result, if it is determined that the data is complete, the server 108 stores the received image data in the external storage unit 108a (step S43), and then issues a notification message indicating completion of image data storage and an instruction to delete the image data. A signal to be transmitted is transmitted (step S44). The camera 100 receiving this notification deletes the specified image data. Alternatively, overwriting may be performed at the time of storing the next image data.
[0066]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S42 that the data is not complete, the server 108 requests the camera 100 for a missing packet (step S45).
[0067]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the telephone function is effectively used, and only when transmission is reliable, the divided data is transmitted little by little and securely, so that secure data transfer without data corruption is achieved. Becomes possible. Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform reliable data transmission by effectively using the communication function, and to concentrate on photographing without worrying about the remaining memory capacity of the user.
[0068]
Note that the present embodiment is not only applied to a camera with a communication function, but is particularly effective when applied to a mobile phone with a camera. That is, if a communication line of a mobile phone is used, it is possible to connect to the Internet or the like, and to transmit data to various servers. Further, since the Internet is used by many users and the frequency of communication is high, it is possible to determine the communication state and execute data transmission each time.
[0069]
Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the present invention. is there.
[0070]
Further, the embodiments described above include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent features. For example, even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments, the problems described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effects described in the column of the effect of the invention can be solved. When the effect is obtained, a configuration from which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.
[0071]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a camera with a communication function and a communication system in which a user can concentrate on photographing without being aware of a shortage of storage capacity of a storage unit of the camera or image data communication. Can be.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system including a camera with a communication function according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the concept of a camera with a communication function.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a packet.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of a shooting mode of the camera with a communication function according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure in a telephone mode of the camera with a communication function according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining the timing of data transmission.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure on the server side according to the embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control unit (CPU), 2 ... Shooting lens, 3 ... Lens drive unit, 4 ... Distance measurement unit, 5 ... Imaging element, 6 ... Analog / digital (A / D) conversion unit, 7 ... Digital signal processing unit, 8 storage unit, 9 display unit, 10 data division unit, 11 modulation / demodulation unit, 12 communication unit, 13 audio input unit (microphone), 14 digital / analog (D / D A) Conversion unit, 15: voice output unit (speaker), 16: operation unit, 101: indoor stationary terminal, 102: base station, 103: connecting device, 104: exchange, 105: control device, 106: inside of provider Server computer (provider), 107: Network (Internet), 108: Image data management server (Internet server), 108a: External storage unit, 108b: Album creation unit, 108c: Photo printing unit, 08d ... e-mail attachments and distribution unit

Claims (13)

Imaging means for imaging a subject;
Storage means for storing the output of the imaging means as image data;
A communication unit that transmits the image data stored in the storage unit to the external storage unit via the base station or the indoor stationary terminal, and receives a signal transmitted from the base station or the indoor stationary terminal,
Determining means for determining the communication state with the base station or indoor stationary terminal,
With
A camera with a communication function, wherein the communication unit transmits image data stored in the storage unit to the external storage unit based on a result of the determination by the determination unit. The communication means transmits the image data stored in the storage means to the base station when the determination means determines that the good communication state with the base station has continued for a predetermined time. The camera with a communication function according to claim 1, wherein: The image processing apparatus further includes a dividing unit that divides the image data recorded in the storage unit,
The communication means, when the determination means determines that a good communication state with the base station has continued for a predetermined time, divides the image data by the division means and transmits the divided image data. The camera with a communication function according to claim 1. The communication means, when it is determined by the determination means that communication with the indoor stationary terminal is possible, the image data stored in the storage means via the indoor stationary terminal to the external 2. The camera with a communication function according to claim 1, wherein the camera transmits the data to a storage unit. The communication function according to claim 4, wherein the communication unit transmits the image data by continuous communication when the determination unit determines that communication with the indoor stationary terminal is possible. With camera. 4. The camera with a communication function according to claim 3, wherein the communication unit divides and transmits the image data by the division unit at a timing when data is received from the base station. 5. 7. The camera with a communication function according to claim 6, wherein the dividing unit divides the image data so that the image data can be transmitted within a timing of receiving data from the base station. The said base station or the said indoor stationary type terminal is connected with the internet server, and the said external storage means is included in the said internet server, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Camera with communication function. Imaging means for imaging a subject, first storage means for storing the output of the imaging means as image data, division means for dividing the image data stored in the first storage means, and division means A first communication unit that transmits the divided image data to the Internet server and receives a signal transmitted from the Internet server; and a determination unit that determines a communication state with the base station or the indoor stationary terminal. A camera with a communication function for transmitting image data stored in the first storage means based on a result of the determination by the determination means;
An internet server comprising: a second communication unit capable of communicating with the first communication unit; and a second storage unit for storing image data transmitted via the camera with the communication function and the second communication unit. When,
A communication system comprising: The second communication unit, when receiving all the image data divided by the division unit, transmits at least the reception completion notification and the confirmation image data to the camera with communication. 10. The communication system according to 9. 10. The communication device according to claim 9, wherein the second communication unit transmits a signal indicating a warning to the camera with communication when not receiving all of the image data divided by the division unit. Communication system. The second communication unit transmits a signal for deleting the transmitted image data from the first storage unit of the camera with a communication function when all the image data divided by the division unit is received. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein the communication is performed. The second communication unit transmits a signal to request the missing image data to the camera with communication when not receiving all the image data divided by the division unit. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein:

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